Praying Mantis Dreaming (1992 - )

Lynkushka, Angela: Dancers of Bangarra Dance Theatre in Stephen Page's 'Praying Mantis Dreaming', 1992

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Choreographed by Stephen Page, Praying Mantis Dreaming premiered in 1992 as Bangarra Dance Theatre's first full-length work. In the original program notes, Stephen Page commented that the production was significant in giving him 'the opportunity to merge 3 distinct and different styles of dance - Traditional Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and contemporary dance'.

The work, set to an original score by David Page, is based around the dreaming of a young woman whose mother is Aboriginal and whose father is of European descent. After 17 years of living in a Western culture, the woman learns about her traditional roots through the spirit of the Praying Mantis, the totem she inherited from her mother.

The cast for the premier performance included Russell Page as the Praying Mantis Spirit, Stephen Page as Father Charlie, Monica Stevens as Mother Lili, Patricia Handy as the daughter, and Djakapurra Munyarryun as Bindinmara. Lighting was by Shane Stevens, costume design by Linda Bobongie and set design by Joe Hurst.

See also: Bangarra Dance Theatre ; Munyarryun, Djakapurra ; Page, Stephen

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Research Materials

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Other resources

Find more about Praying Mantis Dreaming in:

• Internet - Google
• Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
• Pictures - Picture Australia